Elephunk cover

Elephunk

Black Eyed Peas · 2003

66 min · 16 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant fusion of hip-hop, pop, and global influences that invites listeners to dance and celebrate life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hands Up Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Where Is the Love — This track stands out for its poignant social commentary addressing issues like violence and discrimination, marking a significant lyrical depth in the album.
  • →
    Let’s Get Retarded — An infectious anthem that became synonymous with parties and celebrations, showcasing the group's ability to craft catchy hooks while maintaining a fun spirit.
  • →
    Hey Mama — This track blends hip-hop with elements of funk and soul, highlighting both a personal narrative and cultural appreciation that resonates beyond its upbeat melody.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's energetic blend of styles and engaging structures make it a notable entry in hip-hop.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track and maintains an upbeat tempo for the first half, before introducing slower songs in the latter part.
  • Several tracks feature a call-and-response structure, particularly in the choruses, which encourages listener participation.
  • The production incorporates diverse instrumentation, including horns and electronic elements, creating a layered sound that blends genres.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • energetic dance floor vibes
  • celebratory party atmosphere
  • uplifting and motivational moments
  • dynamic rhythmic engagement
  • short, punchy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album marked their first major commercial success and introduced Fergie.
Themes
social justice commentary· cultural celebration
Career context
Released on June 24, 2003, Elephunk marked the Black Eyed Peas' third studio album and their first with new member Fergie. This album came after their previous release, Bridging the Gap (2000), which had garnered them initial recognition but limited mainstream success. Elephunk propelled them into a commercial peak, showcasing a shift towards a more accessible pop sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Cypress Hill· Pitbull· J Balvin

Tracklist

  • 1 Hands Up Start here 3:35
  • 2 Labor Day (It’s a Holiday) 3:58
  • 3 Let’s Get Retarded 3:35
  • 4 Hey Mama 3:34
  • 5 Shut Up 4:56
  • 6 Smells Like Funk 5:04
  • 7 Latin Girls 6:17
  • 8 Sexy 4:43
  • 9 Fly Away 3:35
  • 10 The Boogie That Be 5:12
  • 11 The APL Song 2:54
  • 12 Anxiety 3:38
  • 13 Where Is the Love 4:46
  • 14 Third Eye 3:42
  • 15 Rock My Shit 3:52
  • 16 What’s Goin Down 2:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata